Turning 65
Do I have to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65?
Pending review by Liz McPherson, licensed insurance agent since 2007 · Updated September 25, 2026
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Short Answer
Not always. If you're already getting Social Security benefits, you'll be enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. If you're not, you'll need to sign up yourself, unless you have qualifying coverage from a current employer, in which case you may be able to wait without a penalty.
The Medicare Nerd Explanation
Medicare has a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday: the 3 months before your birthday month, the birthday month, and the 3 months after. If you're receiving Social Security (or Railroad Retirement) benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65, your Medicare card arrives in the mail about 3 months before your birthday. If you aren't, nothing happens automatically, and it's up to you to apply. If you skip Part B without other qualifying coverage, you may pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B: 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had it but didn't.[LIZ REVIEW]
What Could Change the Answer?
Whether you or your spouse are still working, the size of that employer, whether you have an , and whether you have VA, TRICARE, retiree or coverage. (COBRA and retiree coverage generally don't let you delay Part B without a penalty.)[LIZ REVIEW]
What Should I Do Next?
- Check whether you're already receiving Social Security benefits.
- If you're working, ask HR how the employer plan works with Medicare.
- Mark your 7-month window.Find your window on the Turning 65 page
- Talk it through with us before you decide to delay.
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